11.02.2018
Ford Mondeo 3 (Ford Mondeo)- a mid-size car from the European subsidiary of Ford. The struggle for leadership between representatives of middle-class business sedans looks like this - one clear favorite and a couple, to one degree or another, successful classmates, trying to be as good as him in anything. Unlike its competitors, Ford almost always managed to guess the mood and needs of customers, thanks to which Mondeo was for a long time one of the best-selling cars in the segment. More than 10 years have passed since the production of this generation of the model ceased, but the car is still in strong demand in the secondary market, providing worthy competition to younger domestically produced cars. But let’s now try to find out how justified the purchase of a used Ford Mondeo 3 will be and what troubles the owners of this already middle-aged car face during operation.
A little history:
The car received the name “Mondeo” (from the French “Monde” - “world”) due to the fact that it was initially assumed that its development would be carried out by the design and engineering divisions of the Ford company located around the world. However, the bulk of the work on creating the new model was entrusted to the Ford Werke Gmbh branch located in Germany. The debut of the first Mondeo (Mk I) took place in January 1993, and mass production started in March. The new product was designed to replace the outdated Ford Sierra on the market. The car was assembled at the Ford plant in Genk (Belgium). Production of this generation lasted until 1996.
The second generation Ford Mondeo (Mk II) debuted in 1996, but many experts perceived the new product as a deep restyling of the previous generation of the car. The main changes from its predecessor were: upgraded power units, redesigned front and rear parts of the body and a slightly modified front panel of the cabin. In 1999, the model range was replenished with a “charged” version of the Ford Mondeo ST200. The production of the second generation of this model continued until 2000.
The Ford Mondeo 3 (Mk III) premiered on the world market in 2000. This generation was very different from its predecessors, not only in its larger dimensions (it became longer and wider), but also in its new solid interior design. Despite the fact that the car belonged to the budget class of sedans, many experts praised the new product. During its production, the car was restyled twice (in 2003 and 2005), during which the line of power units and transmissions was updated. But the main emphasis was on changing the interior - each time they tried to make it more solid and comfortable. Production of the Ford Mondeo 3 ended in 2007.
The debut of the Ford Mondeo 4 took place in 2007. The new product has become larger than its predecessor not only externally, but also internally. The level of quality of interior finishing materials, as well as noise and vibration insulation, has increased significantly, and a lot of attention has been paid to active safety. Since March 2009, the car has been assembled at the Russian plant in Vsevolzhsk. In August 2010, a restyling was carried out, during which the hood, radiator grille, bumpers were changed, the optics were also improved and LED daytime running lights appeared.
The fifth generation of the model was introduced at the beginning of 2012 in North America. The new product has many similarities with the Ford Evos (Fusion) concept, which debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
Weaknesses and disadvantages of Ford Mondeo 3 with mileage
There is no more point in talking about the quality of the paintwork, since most of the examples presented on the secondary market were repainted for one reason or another. If the car has not yet been painted, the paintwork will not be in the best condition, most often these are the consequences of minor damage (numerous chips, scratches). As for the corrosion resistance of the body, as a rule, no serious problems arise, with the exception of cars from the first years of production - they begin to rust in hidden places (under the upholstery of the front part of the cabin and trunk). You can also note the tendency to corrosion of wheel arches, sills, door edges and welds in the engine compartment. Also at risk are the exhaust system, side members, suspension mounting points, subframes, and the subframe itself.
The main weak points of the body are plastic elements - bumpers, fender liners and their fastenings. The problem is that with the arrival of cold weather, they become tanned and break even from a slight blow. Other shortcomings of the body include the unreliability of the door hinges - they sag. Over time, the windshield seal loses its tightness, which is why moisture gets into the cabin in rainy weather. Before purchasing, be sure to check whether the floor under the feet of the driver and passenger is wet, since this defect was unlikely to be eliminated before sale. The hood latch requires regular maintenance; the fact is that it is susceptible to dirt and moisture. If you don’t take care of it (you need to regularly wash and lubricate it), there will be problems with its performance. The windshield wiper trapezoid also requires periodic lubrication.
Power units
Ford Mondeo 3 was equipped with gasoline engines - 1.8 (110, 125 and 130 hp), 2.0 (145 hp), 2.5 (170 hp), 3.0 (204, 226 hp), and turbodiesel volumes of 2.0 (90, 116, 130 hp) and 2.2 (155 hp) liters. Among gasoline power units, the most common are in-line fours with a volume of 1.8 and 2.0 liters. Both units are reliable and rarely cause problems; closer to 250,000 km, the timing chain and its tensioners need to be replaced. Their main disadvantages include the following: The timing belt has a keyless sprocket fit. To carry out this work, a qualified specialist is required; if you overtighten or undertighten the bolts, you will end up with expensive engine repairs. It should also be noted that there are no factory repair sizes for the pistons, therefore, during overhaul, the short block has to be changed.
Before buying, listen to the operation of the engine, if in the area of the first cylinder you hear a rattling sound reminiscent of the knocking of valves, most likely the damper in the intake manifold is worn out; replace it only as an assembly. For trouble-free operation of the engine, you need to monitor the condition of the spark plugs, since if they malfunction, the life of the ignition coils and catalyst is reduced. Among the weak points of power units, one can note the unreliability of the fuel pump, thermostat, and EGR valve. Some owners complain that it is difficult to start a cold engine. Cars with a mileage of more than 200,000 km experience increased oil consumption due to problems with piston rings and valve seals. The lifespan of power units declared by the manufacturer is 300-350 thousand km, but with proper maintenance they can last 500,000 km.
V6 petrol engines of 2.5 and 3.0 liters are less common. These power units are not only very similar to in-line fours, but have similar problems: the short life of the fuel pump and dampers in the intake manifold, and the weak point is the plastic impeller of the cooling pump (when replacing, it is recommended to give preference to a pump with a metal impeller). Among the disadvantages of power units, one can note the poor design of the cooling system (there is a high probability of engine overheating) and high fuel consumption.
Diesel engines Ford Mondeo 3
Diesel engines are no less reliable than gasoline engines, but unlike them they have more capricious fuel equipment. The TDCi turbo engines equipped with the Delphi system deserve special attention. When buying a car with such a system, there is a high probability of encountering a breakdown of the injectors and fuel pump, which, as a rule, ends with the repair of the entire injection system (the injection pump begins to drive metal shavings). It is also worth mentioning the higher cost of maintenance, in addition, a significant part of European cars will have a particulate filter. Don’t forget about the typical problems inherent in turbodiesel engines with high mileage - the EGR valve and flow meter. By 150-200 thousand km, the dual-mass flywheel needs to be replaced. To avoid big troubles, you need to refuel only with high-quality diesel fuel and change the oil every 8-10 thousand km. Using the recommended SAE30 oil in an engine with decent mileage can result in the piston liners turning (experts recommend using SAE40, or even SAE50).
Transmission
On the secondary market, the Ford Mondeo 3 is available with the following transmissions: 5 and 6-speed manual, as well as 4 and 5-speed automatic. Failure of manual transmissions is an infrequent occurrence, but given the advanced age of the car, you need to be prepared to replace the clutch; as a rule, its service life is 140-160 thousand km. But the CD4E four-speed automatic transmission is the exact opposite of a manual transmission and has a large number of weak points. The oil pump causes the most problems, since untimely diagnosis of its malfunction leads to early failure of the main elements of the transmission. It is also worth noting weak solenoids in the valve body and the chain in the drive. There are frequent cases of failure and double drum. Despite the fact that the cost of most spare parts is relatively low, restoring the transmission will not be cheap, and you should not count on a long service life of the repaired transmission. It is extremely rare that they nurse for more than 150,000 km.
The Jatco five-speed automatic (JF506E) turned out to be much more reliable, but it also has a number of disadvantages. The most common problem is rapid wear of the rubber piston seals and pressure control solenoid. As a rule, by 200,000 km it is necessary to change the entire set of solenoids and the valve body plate. It is also worth noting the box’s tendency to overheat (weak heat exchanger), after which a whole “bouquet” of problems can arise. The differential does not like heavy loads, so for those who like to light up, it is at risk - differential failure often leads to the destruction of the housing and failure of the automatic transmission.
Reliability of used Ford Mondeo 3 chassis
The front suspension of the Ford Mondeo 3 is traditional for most modern cars - MacPherson strut, but the rear suspension is the pride of Ford engineers - a multi-link with a steering effect. The weakest point of the suspension is the anti-roll bar; the original ones last 30-40 thousand km. The average service life of bushings is 50-60 thousand km. Also, the front springs, shock absorbers and support bearings have a short lifespan - 70-90 thousand km, but the rear ones can last up to 150 thousand km. Ball joints last 100-120 thousand km; in the original they are replaced only as an assembly with a lever, which significantly increases the cost of repairs. Silent blocks can withstand up to 150,000 km. In the rear suspension, the shock absorber springs are considered the weak point - the outer coils break off. You can also note that the levers are not very durable, but despite this, for careful drivers they last more than 100,000 km.
In the steering system, the steering rack and the power steering pump are not famous for their reliability (it starts knocking closer to 120,000 km, and by 200-250 it can start to “bite” the steering wheel), fortunately, the cost of replacement is not too high. To extend the life of the rack and pump, you should adhere to two rules - do not turn the wheels in place and do not hold the steering wheel in the extreme position for a long time. The remaining steering elements are reliable and have a good service life. So, for example, steering tips run on average 80-100 thousand km, rods - 120-150 thousand km. Mondeo 3 has sensitive brakes designed for high speeds, but they are not designed for our dirt, which causes rapid wear of discs and pads. If you do not use the handbrake over time, corrosion will begin to affect its cable braid. If there is a problem, a sharp jerk of the handbrake can lead to deformation of the fasteners or the pad drive mechanism. Also, on cars older than 12 years, brake lines and calipers suffer from corrosion.
Salon
The quality of finishing materials in the Ford Mondeo 3 interior is average - some plastic elements are easily scratched and often squeak annoyingly. Among the weak points of the interior are the rapid wear of the pads of the handles, the unreliability of the lumbar support of the front seats, and the frame itself is not designed for oversized drivers. Despite the small amount of electronics, by modern standards, there are some shortcomings here. Minor annoyances include a fading climate control display, malfunctions of the central locking (replacement of microswitches is required) and power windows. A much more serious breakdown is the failure of the interior fan and malfunctions of the climate system control unit.
Result:
Despite the fact that the Ford Mondeo 3 is not without its shortcomings, in this price segment (up to $5,000) it is one of the most interesting options on the secondary market. The best option for purchasing is considered to be a restyled copy with a two-liter engine paired with a manual transmission. Considering the age of the car, its complete diagnosis is not advisable, but a mandatory procedure, which in the future will help save hundreds of dollars.
If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you encountered while using the car. Perhaps your review will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.
Best regards, editor AutoAvenue
Back in 2000, Ford officially introduced its new product - the third generation Ford Mondeo (Mk III). This model lasted on the assembly line until 2007, when it was replaced Fourth generation Mondeo. Ford Mondeo 3 was produced in three different bodies- sedan, liftback and station wagon. Over the seven years of its production, the model experienced 2 restylings in 2003 and 2005. To a greater extent, the restyling process affected body parts such as bumpers, fog lights, and taillights. Minor changes were also made to interior details.
Gasoline engines Ford Mondeo III:
In the third generation of the Mondeo model, it was decided to abandon the low-torque 1.6 engines, so the minimum possible engine volume on this model starts from 1.8 liters. Four-cylinder 1.8 Duratec HE engines (models CGBA; CGBB; CHBA; CHBB) were installed from 2000 to 2007 and, depending on the modification, had either 110 or 125 hp. under the hood. This engine was developed by Japanese Mazda, where it was designated MZR L8 (L813; L823; L828) with 115-120-125 hp. at 5300-5500-6500 rpm. and was installed on cars such as Mazda 5, 6 and MX5 respectively. During its life, the 1.8 Duratec HE engine was modernized with the introduction of such systems as: intake manifold channel control with a swirler, an electronically controlled throttle valve and direct ignition from ignition coils. In a modernized form, this engine was installed on such Ford models as the C-Max I and Focus II. In 2003, Ford presented a new 1.8 engine (CFBA) with the SCi (Smart Charge Injection) index, which already had direct fuel injection and produced 130 hp. at 6000 rpm.
Ford Mondeo III 2000-2003
Engine Ford Mondeo 2.0 Duratec HE (CJBA; CJBB) 145 hp. at 6000 rpm. They are also identical to the Mazda MZR LF (LF17; LF18; LFF7). In fact, the 1.8 and 2.0 engines are the same in design, their main difference is only in the cylinder diameter of 83.0 mm. and 87.5 mm. respectively. If you choose from these two engines, then, of course, a unit with two liters of volume looks preferable - it is more powerful, more flexible, quieter and at the same time has exactly the same fuel consumption as the version with a volume of 1.8 liters. Both of these engines have a timing chain drive, the chain resource is 250-300 thousand km. There are no hydraulic compensators on these engines, so once every 150 thousand km, please, replace the pushers.
These engines require special attention to such attachments as a generator, thermostat, fuel pump and USR valve. Don’t skimp on good fuel and oil - the service life of well-maintained Duratec HE engines with volumes of 1.8 and 2.0 liters is about 450-550 thousand km. Owners of a 1.8-liter engine often complain about floating speed when the engine is running, often this was due to either unsuccessful engine firmware or contamination of the throttle valve.
Ford Mondeo III 2003-2007
The 1.8 SCi engine is a rarity in the CIS, but we can say with confidence that sooner or later its weak point will be the injection pump and fuel injectors - replacing the first with a new one will require $2,500, replacing the second - $200 apiece. We can also mention the problems of availability of necessary spare parts due to the great rarity of this power plant.
Ford Mondeo III Liftback 2003-2007
On the positive side, six-cylinder V6 engines with volumes of 2.5 and 3.0 liters have proven themselves. These engines are relatives of the Jaguar AJ-V6 series engines, namely the AJ25 and AJ30, which were installed on the Jaguar X-Type and S-Type. For the Ford Mondeo there was one version of the 2.5 liter engine. - this is the LCBD model, which produced 170 hp. at 6000 rpm. The three-liter power plant had two versions - this is the REBA model with a power of 204 hp. at 6000 rpm for the regular civilian version of Mondeo and MEBA with a power of 226 hp. at 6250 rpm for the sports version of ST220. Just like in-line fours, V6 engines have a timing chain drive, the service life of which is approximately the same 250-300 thousand km. The sores are also approximately the same as on the younger brothers, but as an addition, we can say that due to the not entirely successful cooling system, six-pot motors are prone to overheating. The service life of V6 engines reaches 500-600 thousand km. without major repairs.
Ford Mondeo III diesel engines:
There were four diesel engine options - the 2.0 Duratorg TDDi (D5BA; SDBA) with 90 hp. at 4000 rpm, 2.0 Duratorg TDDi and TDCi (D6BA; HJBA; HJBB; HJBC) with a power of 115 hp. at 4000 rpm, 2.0 Duratorg TDCi (FMBA; N7BA) with a power of 130 hp. at 3800 rpm. and a 2.2 liter turbo diesel. Duratorg TDCi (QJBA; QJBB) 155 hp at 3500 rpm. On engines with the TDDi index, which were produced before 2003, a Bosch VP30 or VP44 rotary pump was responsible for direct fuel injection. Since 2003, the Common Rail system began to be installed on engines with the TDCi index. The TDDi engine is simpler in design, while the TDCi engine is more efficient. With diesels, everything is quite simple on the one hand... but complicated on the other. Today it’s 2017 and the likelihood of finding a good option with a diesel engine is practically non-existent. A good option is when you don’t need to invest in repairing the fuel system of a diesel Mondeo, because... this will lead to significant financial losses. The stories of magazine specialists about burnt-out pistons, valves and twisted liners are nothing more than horror stories and isolated cases of completely neglected specimens. With good diesel fuel and regular maintenance, a Ford Mondeo Mk3 with a diesel engine will last 200-250 thousand km. takes care of it in one breath, but then, as a rule, a headache begins with the fuel system, particulate filter and EGR valve.
Ford Mondeo III transmission:
The third generation Mondeo was equipped with two types of manual gearboxes - MTX75 with five gears and MMT6 with six. Both options are extremely reliable and can last for more than 150-200 thousand km without opening. It is very important when changing the clutch to change the flywheel at the same time!
But automatic transmissions cannot boast of particular reliability. Until 2003, the four-speed automatic transmission on the Mondeo 3 was a model that began its production history back in 1994, the Ford CD4E. The “brake” box has a number of design problems, first of all, a bad oil pump, weak solenoids in the valve body, a bad chain in the drive and a double drum. The only advantage of this automatic transmission is cheap spare parts and the relatively low price of the repair itself. The average resource of this automatic transmission model is 100 thousand km, after the overhaul the lottery begins - the resource jumps from 50 to 100 thousand km.
Ford Mondeo III 2001-2003
Ford Mondeo III 2003-2007
With the restyling came a new five-speed automatic transmission - this is the Jatco 5F31J model (aka JF506E, JA5A-EL, 09A). This box was also installed on some models of Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Volkswagen cars. The resource of this automatic transmission with careful operation is about 150-200 thousand km. Some of the problems with this automatic transmission include wear of the rubber piston seals and clogging of the pressure control solenoid with dirt.
Steering and suspension Ford Mondeo III:
The steering rack can last about 200-250 thousand km until it is replaced. The suspension is also very reliable; the first problems with silent blocks, strut supports, and springs will not occur before 100-150 thousand km. It is necessary to mention that the rear suspension of the station wagon is structurally different from the suspensions of the liftback and sedan - it is stronger and more reliable.
Sales market: Europe.
The third generation Ford Mondeo hatchback, released in 2000, has undergone two updates. The first of them took place in June 2003 and was very thorough. The model received many large and small changes in the exterior, interior and power unit. Externally, the updated Ford Mondeo hatchback is easily identified by a new bumper with a large air intake, large trapezoidal fog lights, and a chrome grille frame with a mesh pattern. The taillights and side mirrors have also been updated. Even higher quality materials were used in the interior, the dashboard was modernized, and a number of changes were associated with improved sound insulation. Additional changes were made to the exterior in September 2005 with minor modifications to the front and rear of the car.
The interior of the updated Ford Mondeo hatchback also received a number of changes. Among the most significant, we can list the following: for example, there is a different frame with a clock and buttons for emergency lights and heating of the rear and windshield, a different climate unit, and the lower frame where the transmission lever is installed has also changed. In general, the interior of the third generation Mondeo is distinguished by increased quality of finishing and improved ergonomics. A sufficient number and range of adjustments for the driver's seat, as well as a steering column with adjustment in two planes, will allow you to sit comfortably behind the wheel, and to prevent the rear passengers' legs from being cramped, there are deep recesses in the backs of the front seats. In the standard Core configuration, the updated Mondeo hatchback offered only the essentials (multi-steering wheel, power accessories, air conditioning, audio system), but for an additional fee you could get alloy wheels, foglights, heated washer nozzles and other equipment.
After restyling, the Ford Mondeo, in addition to the previous engines with a displacement of 1.8 liters (gasoline) and 2.0 liters (gasoline, diesel), as well as a 24-valve 2.5-liter V6, received a new powerful gasoline version with 3.0- liter V6 engine (204 hp), as well as a 2.2 liter TDCi diesel engine (155 hp). The most common option that can be found on sale is the Mondeo 1.8 MT hatchback. With an engine power of 125 hp. (179 Nm), it is capable of reaching “hundreds” in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h. There are also cars with a 2.0-liter engine (145 hp, 190 Nm) - here the capabilities are higher: 9.9 seconds for acceleration 0-100 km/h and 215 km/h “maximum speed”.
The Ford Mondeo 2003-2007 hatchback has independent suspension on all wheels. In all modifications, the car received power steering and disc brakes (ventilated at the front). The body dimensions of the Mondeo 2003-2007 hatchback are: length - 4731 mm, width - 1812 mm, height - 1429. The wheelbase of 2754 mm provides a good supply of space for rear passengers. Ground clearance is low - 120 mm. The trunk volume of the hatchback is 500 liters. Folding rear seats allow you to increase it to 1290 liters.
The third generation Ford Mondeo hatchback has an optimized body design in terms of safety (4 Euro NCAP stars). The front airbags have a two-stage deployment, depending on the force of the impact and the position of the driver and passenger. In addition, the car received side airbags and inflatable curtains over the doorways. Safety pedals, active head restraints, child seat anchors, and a seat belt warning system are all standard, along with antilock brakes (with electronic brake force control and brake assist) plus optional stability control.
Ford Mondeo was often used as a corporate vehicle - this is a good reason to take a more strict approach to checking the technical condition of the car. In terms of rear space, the Mondeo is far from the best in its class. The chassis requires increased attention; in addition, the car has low ground clearance (after hitting a curb, the lower skirt of the bumper may come off). Annoying “little things” often include a broken driver’s seat height adjuster and inconvenient opening of the hood. The body needs to be checked for corrosion. The next generation came out in 2007.
Read completelySales market: Europe.
In 2000, at the Paris Motor Show, Ford presented the next generation of Mondeo. It is still based on the Ford CDW27 platform developed for the 1993 model. However, the new Mondeo was the first Ford model to use computer modeling. The most modern design and engineering programs made it possible to completely modernize the car, stretch the body (the wheelbase was increased by 50 mm) and even take into account all kinds of anthropometric data when developing the interior, making getting into the car and the design of the seats as comfortable as possible. A special feature of the sedan's exterior is a new corporate style, which incorporates the most interesting findings in the design of the latest Ford models, including the new Focus and Fiesta. The line of power units has been updated. The model said goodbye to the 1.6-liter engine, the basis of the range is now made up of new engines 1.8 liters (gasoline) and 2.0 liters (gasoline, diesel) with a power of 90-145 hp, and a 24-valve 170 hp 2 The .5-liter V6 remained from its predecessor, but was upgraded to Euro 4 requirements.
The interior of the third generation Ford Mondeo sedan is distinguished by high-quality finishing materials, good ergonomics, and it has become even more comfortable to get behind the wheel - with the help of a sufficient range of adjustments for the driver's seat and steering column with adjustment in two planes. Not only the increase in the wheelbase allowed rear passengers to feel freer, but this is also facilitated by deep recesses in the backs of the front seats and a slightly increased width of the cabin. The signature oval quartz clock on the center console adds its charm to the interior. In the most luxurious versions of the Ghia, the dark top of the interior panels is adjacent to the light bottom, as well as metal inserts on the steering wheel spokes, clock rim, instrument cluster dials and other details. The top-end configuration also includes heated front seats and windshield, climate control, multifunction steering wheel, premium audio system, etc.
The line of petrol Mondeo 2000-2003 sedan models is now opened by a modification with a 1.8-liter engine working with a 5-speed manual transmission - its power is 125 hp. The more productive 2.0 unit has a reserve of 145 hp; it has two transmission options - manual or 4-band automatic. The remaining engines are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission - these are two diesel units 2.0 TDdi (90 hp) and 2.0 TDCi (115 hp) and a 2.5-liter Duratec 24v V6 (170 hp). The most powerful petrol version of the sedan is capable of reaching a top speed of 225 km/h, and it will take 8.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. Gasoline consumption in the combined cycle is 9.9 l/100 km. For junior gasoline engines it will be 7.7-9.4 l/100 km. Diesel ones are noticeably more modest - 5.9 l/100 km. Fuel tank volume - 58 l.
The Ford Mondeo 2000-2003 sedan has independent suspension on all wheels, while the suspension travel has increased compared to its predecessor. In all modifications, the car received power steering and disc brakes (ventilated at the front). The body dimensions of the Mondeo 2000-2003 sedan are: length - 4731 mm, width - 1812 mm, height - 1429 mm. The wheelbase of 2754 mm provides a good amount of space for rear passengers. Ground clearance is low - 120 mm. The sedan's trunk volume has increased by 30 liters compared to the previous Mondeo and is now 500 liters. Its length has increased from 960 to 1000 mm, with the rear seats folded down it can accommodate cargo up to 1740 mm long, and the total volume reaches 1370 liters. The threshold height is 720 mm.
With the change of generations, the Ford Mondeo 2000-2003 sedan has become even safer. Computer modeling has allowed the body structure to be optimized to better absorb impact energy during a collision. The front airbags have a two-stage deployment, depending on the force of the impact and the position of the driver and passenger. In addition, the car received side airbags and inflatable curtains over the doorways. A safety pedal assembly, active head restraints, and standard child seat anchors are all standard, along with anti-lock brakes (with electronic brake force control and brake assist) plus optional stability control.
Despite the increase in wheelbase, the Mondeo is far from the best in class in terms of rear space. The chassis requires increased attention; in addition, the car has low ground clearance (after hitting a curb, the lower skirt of the bumper may come off). Annoying “little things” often include a broken driver’s seat height adjuster and inconvenient opening of the hood. The body needs to be checked for corrosion. In 2003, the model was slightly updated.
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